Anaheim Man, 23, Accused Of Facebook Sextortion Scheme

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SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — A 23-year-old Anaheim man has been accused of using social media to lure a girl into sending him nude pictures of herself, which he then reportedly used in a sextortion scheme.

Victor Alfonso Pineda pleaded not guilty Friday to seven counts of contacting a minor with intent to possess child pornography, three counts of using a threatening letter for extortion, two counts of extortion by force or threat and two counts of attempting to use a minor for sex acts—all felonies.

The suspect, who is being held on $100,000 bail, faces up to 11 years and four months in prison, if convicted.

Pineda allegedly used a boy’s picture to engage with girls on Facebook between October 2013 and February 2014, Deputy District Attorney Jess Rodriguez said.

Pineda got in touch with a 14-year-old girl and told her to send him naked photos, Rodriguez alleged.

He then extorted the girl into sending him more images and videos with the threat that he would show other high school students the images, Rodriguez said.

Pineda also extorted the alleged victim into taking nude pictures of a 12-year-old relative. He then told the 12-year-old to send him more pictures of herself and another relative.

In all, the suspect had “inappropriate contact” with six girls, who were between the ages of 12 and 14, according to Rodriguez.

Investigators believe there may be more victims.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Paul Carvo at (714) 347-8794 or Anaheim detective Michael Cunha at (714) 765-1976.